It’s me, Tiffany aka The Budgetnista, America’s favorite financial educator and often referred to as “The Black Suze Orman”. I decided instead of the typical, boring About Me page, I’d do a self-interview. 🙂

I also launched a FREE, online financial resource called, the LIVE RICHER Challenge. It’s purpose is to help women achieve specific financial goals each year. So far it’s helped over 50,000+ women in all 50 states and over 70 countries save millions dollars + and pay off hundred’s of thousands of dollars in debt. Did I mention that’s it’s free?! You can learn more here: www.livericherchallege.net

2) Where are you based?: I’m based in New Jersey, but I consider myself a mobile mogul.

3) How long have you been blogging?: It’s been over 5 years.

4) Blog basics: My blog is all about financial help made easy and fun. I mainly focus on budgeting (duh), debt, credit, money mindset, savings, spending, basic banking and travel. I write most posts, but sometimes I’ll get a frugal-fab, friend or two, to contribute their financial expertise.

5) Why the focus on women?: Ummm, have you seen my picture? Seriously though, through social media, so many people have asked me for financial help. 90% of those that reach out are women. There aren’t many sites that financially speak just to us, in a way that’s fun and engaging. I want to change that. Everyone is welcome to benefit from the awesome info you’ll find here, but coming from a family of 5 girls, I have a special place in my heart for my Sis-Stars. 🙂

6) Besides budgeting, what other things do you love?: I love to read, travel (I go on at least 4 trips a year), my family, my hair, the color yellow and Victorian era movies and shows.

7) Who have you helped?: In the last few years I’ve worked with clients like, Prudential Financial Inc., The United Way, American Express, Princeton University , Columbia University, The New York Public Library and more. I was also the resident, financial expert for City National Bank, where I wrote and taught their financial education curriculum in all of the markets their branches are located.

I have a blog with the Huffington Post and U.S. News and World Report, and my financial advice has been featured in the The New York Times, Reuters, US News and World Report, the TODAY show, PBS, Fox Business, MSNBC, CBS MoneyWatch, TIME, ESSENCE Magazine, and FORBES and more.

I’ve helped thousands of women just like you, get on financial track, so I hope you’ll JOIN US.

12) How did you become the Budgetnista?: I grew up in a home where finances were openly and regularly discussed. It was just a part of life. I tell a pretty awesome story about the actual day I became the Budgetnista at age 11, here.

13) My books: The One Week Budget a #1 Amazon’s Bestseller’s list in 2 categories: personal finance & finance / budgeting). It has also maintained a top 10 spot on the bestseller list for over 52 weeks and counting and peaked at #1 on Amazon’s Top Rated List under personal finance.

This book is a step-by-step guide to creating your money management system. The book is broken down into 12 steps that can be completed over a seven-day span — hence, The One Week Budget.

It’s an easy, fun read and after you complete the necessary work, can reduce the time you spend managing your money to less than 30 minutes a month.

Live Richer Challenge (#1 Amazon): This workbook is ideal for those that want to be bread-crumbed to financial success. In 36 days this book will help readers master their money through simple, daily financial tasks.

14) What is your favorite thing about your company, The Budgetnista?: Helping women. When I was in my early 20s, I decided that I wanted to live a life of service. I became a teacher for 10-plus years and after my school closed due to lack of funding, I started The Budgetnista. So, I still teach and serve, just in a different way.

15) What’s the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn about saving money?: What to do with it after you save it. I’m still trying to get the hang of investing. I invested $20,000 once with a “friend” of mine and he stole it. I wrote all about it and how I recovered in the last chapter of my book, The One Week Budget

16) What’s your ultimate goal?: My ultimate goal is for The Budgetnista to become an international brand that represents value. It’s my dream that one day you’ll walk into a Target and see my logo on items that I think are worth more than what they are priced.

17) What is your ultimate goal for readers of The Budgetnista Blog?: My goal for my readers is to LIVE RICHER: to experience every-day life for less money and more fun. 🙂

My financial goal for 2016 is to remove any negative debt off of my credit report. I want to be able to purchase a home in the next year, so I want to save as much as I can this year so that nothing will keep me from accomplishing my goal! #MMSweepstakes

Anita Calime

My goal is to get out of the RED: 1. Pay my tithes Faithfully 2. Raise my credit score by eliminating debt by July 2017 3. Save $1000 in two separate accounts 4. Pay my truck off a year early 5. Purchase a home for my family 6. Never Go Back

CATHY

I would like to pay off debt, purchase a home, a vehicle, start a business and have a child doing this all by savings, budgeting, decrease expenses, increase earnings